ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction

F10.181 is the ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction.
This code represents problematic alcohol use patterns combined with significant sexual dysfunction directly caused by alcohol consumption.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment plans that address both the substance abuse and sexual health concerns.
Key features:
- F10.181 ICD-10 code distinguishes alcohol abuse from dependence while identifying specific sexual complications
- Requires evidence of both problematic drinking patterns and alcohol-related sexual dysfunction
- Often co-occurs with relationship problems, depression, and reduced quality of life
- Responsive to integrated treatment approaches addressing substance use and sexual health

Diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction (F10.181)
Alcohol abuse represents a pattern of harmful drinking that creates significant problems in multiple life areas but doesn't meet the full criteria for dependence.
The presence of sexual dysfunction as a direct result of alcohol use adds complexity to this presentation.
Clinicians must first establish alcohol abuse using standard criteria. This includes evidence that alcohol use has caused recurrent problems at work, school, or home.
The person may continue drinking despite ongoing social or interpersonal difficulties caused by alcohol.
Physical hazards occur when individuals use alcohol in dangerous situations, and legal problems may arise from alcohol-related behaviors.
The sexual dysfunction component requires clear evidence that sexual problems developed in direct relationship to alcohol use patterns. Common manifestations include:
- Erectile dysfunction that occurs specifically during periods of alcohol use
- Decreased libido correlating with drinking episodes
- Difficulty achieving orgasm related to alcohol consumption
- Performance anxiety that develops secondary to alcohol-related sexual problems
- Relationship dysfunction stemming from alcohol-induced sexual difficulties
The timing relationship between alcohol use and sexual symptoms must be clearly established. Sexual problems that existed prior to alcohol abuse or continue during extended periods of sobriety may suggest alternative diagnoses.
When to use F10.181 diagnosis code
Differential diagnosis becomes particularly important when distinguishing F10.181 from related alcohol-induced disorders and primary sexual dysfunction conditions.
F10.181 vs F10.180 (Alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced anxiety disorder)
While both codes involve alcohol abuse with induced mental health complications, F10.180 focuses specifically on anxiety symptoms.
Patients with F10.180 typically present with panic attacks, generalized anxiety, or specific phobias that developed or worsened with alcohol use.
Sexual dysfunction may occur secondary to anxiety, but the primary presentation involves anxious symptoms rather than sexual problems.
Clinicians should assess whether sexual difficulties stem primarily from anxiety about performance or represent direct alcohol effects on sexual function.
F10.181 vs F10.182 (Alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced sleep disorder)
F10.182 addresses alcohol abuse complicated by sleep disruption.
Although poor sleep can impact sexual function, this code focuses on insomnia, hypersomnia, or disturbed sleep patterns caused by alcohol.
The distinction lies in the primary presenting concern.
Sleep disorders from alcohol typically involve difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening, or non-restorative sleep.
Sexual dysfunction, when present, occurs as a secondary consequence rather than the primary alcohol-induced problem.
F10.181 vs Primary sexual dysfunction disorders
Primary sexual dysfunction disorders occur independently of substance use and persist during periods of sobriety.
These conditions may include psychological factors, medical conditions, or relationship issues unrelated to alcohol.
The key differentiator involves timing and causation.
Alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction typically improves during extended periods of abstinence, while primary sexual disorders continue regardless of alcohol use patterns.
Related ICD-10 codes
Related codes within the F10.18 family include:
- F10.18 - Alcohol abuse with other alcohol-induced disorders
- F10.180 - Alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced anxiety disorder
- F10.182 - Alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced sleep disorder
- F10.188 - Alcohol abuse with other alcohol-induced disorder
These codes represent different manifestations of alcohol-induced complications while maintaining the underlying pattern of alcohol abuse rather than dependence.
Interventions and CPT codes for alcohol abuse with sexual dysfunction
Evidence-based treatment for F10.181 requires integrated approaches addressing both substance abuse and sexual dysfunction components simultaneously.
Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
Initial assessment begins with code 90791 (Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation).
This comprehensive intake establishes the full scope of alcohol use patterns, sexual dysfunction severity, and related mental health concerns.
The evaluation includes detailed substance use history, sexual history, mental status examination, and treatment planning.
Individual psychotherapy approaches
Ongoing individual therapy utilizes codes 90832, 90834, or 90837 based on session length.
Motivational interviewing proves particularly effective for addressing alcohol abuse by exploring ambivalence about change and building intrinsic motivation for sobriety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders (CBT-SUD) helps patients identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and modify thought patterns that maintain drinking behaviors.
When combined with sexual therapy techniques, CBT addresses both components of the F10.181 diagnosis.
Relapse prevention therapy focuses on identifying high-risk situations and developing specific strategies to maintain sobriety.
This approach proves especially important given the complex relationship between alcohol use and sexual functioning.
Couples and family therapy
Codes 90846 and 90847 support family therapy approaches with and without the patient present.
Sexual dysfunction often creates significant relationship strain, making couples work essential for comprehensive treatment.
Family therapy addresses codependency patterns, communication problems, and family dynamics that may contribute to continued alcohol use.
Partners learn to support recovery while addressing their own needs and concerns related to both substance use and sexual intimacy.
Group therapy interventions
Code 90853 covers group psychotherapy for substance abuse recovery.
Group settings provide peer support, reduce isolation, and offer opportunities to practice new coping skills with others facing similar challenges.
Specialized groups focusing on sexual health and addiction help normalize the experience while providing education about the relationship between alcohol and sexual function.
Screening and brief intervention services
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) codes apply when conducting focused alcohol screening and intervention. Code 99408 covers structured screening plus brief intervention for 15-30 minutes, while 99409 covers sessions over 30 minutes.
Medicare-specific HCPCS codes G0396 and G0397 serve similar functions in Medicare populations for structured assessment and brief intervention services.
How Upheal improves F10.181 ICD-10 documentation
Suggesting appropriate ICD-10 codes based on session content
Upheal's clinical documentation platform analyzes session content to identify patterns consistent with alcohol abuse and sexual dysfunction.
The system recognizes when clients discuss drinking behaviors alongside sexual concerns, prompting clinicians to consider F10.181 as a potential diagnosis.
The platform tracks symptom progression across sessions, helping clinicians identify when sexual problems correlate with alcohol use patterns versus occurring independently.
Maintaining HIPAA-compliant records with proper diagnostic coding
Sexual dysfunction represents particularly sensitive clinical information requiring careful documentation practices.
Upheal ensures that all notes containing sexual health information meet stringent privacy requirements while maintaining clinical accuracy.
The platform provides templates for documenting sexual dysfunction symptoms in professional, clinical language that supports proper coding while respecting client dignity and confidentiality.
Reducing administrative burden so you can focus on client care
Complex diagnoses like F10.181 require detailed documentation of multiple symptom domains and their relationships.
Upheal automates much of this documentation process, allowing clinicians to spend more time on therapeutic interventions.
The system generates comprehensive progress notes that capture both substance abuse and sexual dysfunction elements, ensuring proper justification for the F10.181 code while reducing documentation time.
Supporting clients with alcohol abuse and sexual dysfunction
Clients with F10.181 diagnoses face unique challenges that require sensitive, integrated treatment approaches.
Sexual dysfunction creates shame and embarrassment that may impede open discussion about alcohol use patterns.
Building therapeutic rapport becomes especially important when addressing these interconnected issues.
Clinicians must create safe spaces for discussing both drinking behaviors and intimate concerns without judgment or discomfort.
Treatment planning should address the cyclical nature of alcohol use and sexual problems.
Drinking may initially occur to reduce performance anxiety, but ultimately worsens sexual function, creating increased anxiety and motivation to drink.
Comprehensive treatment for F10.181 requires specialized expertise in both addiction and sexual health.
Upheal's clinical documentation platform helps clinicians track these complex presentations while ensuring proper coding and billing.
The platform's intelligent analysis of session content supports accurate diagnosis while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and clinical care.
Try Upheal for free to experience how proper documentation tools can improve outcomes for clients with complex, interconnected mental health and substance abuse concerns.